Why is blood pressure highest at 4 or 5 a.m.?

Blood pressure tends to be highest around 4 or 5 a.m., which could result from physiological factors or pathological conditions such as sleep apnea syndrome or hypertension. Details are as follows:

I. Physiological Factors

If a patient frequently stays up late or experiences excessive mental stress, it may lead to elevated blood pressure in the early morning hours. It is important to get adequate rest and avoid overexertion.

II. Pathological Factors

1. Sleep Apnea Syndrome

This is typically a sleep disorder characterized by breathing interruptions during sleep. It involves collapse of the upper airway during sleep, causing apnea and hypoventilation, leading to the aforementioned phenomenon. Treatment may include medications such as aminophylline tablets or acetazolamide tablets, taken under a doctor's guidance.

2. Hypertension

The main cause is when the pressure exerted by circulating blood against blood vessel walls exceeds the normal range, often due to vascular disease. If diagnosed with hypertension, high blood pressure may occur not only in the morning but also at other times of day. Medications such as nifedipine controlled-release tablets or amlodipine besylate tablets may be used under medical supervision.

In addition to the above causes, elevated early-morning blood pressure could also be due to diabetes or pheochromocytoma. It is important to maintain a positive mindset and avoid emotional excitement.